Club volleyball: they’ll see you in court

The ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on Colby sports scene has extended past varsity sports as club sports like Club Volleyball have also been affected by new regulations and safety policies. Until recently, all clubs and club sports have been restricted from meeting in person.

However, as Colby has reached Health Code Level Green, club sports are now beginning to plan for their new COVID-19 era incarnations.

Jack Tomlin `22, one of the captains of Club Volleyball, recently sent an email on behalf of the club to members. The email, sent on Sept. 19, outlined some of the new policies the club would be embracing in the interest of maintaining safety.

“Club Volleyball will be using the ‘pod’ system that other athletic clubs and teams are using,” Tomlin wrote. “When you show up for practice, your name will be recorded for contact tracing and you will be placed into a pod with [nine] other people. Those people will be your practice partners for the night and there will be [one] pod on each court.”

Additionally, masks are going to be required at all times, regardless of if members are on the court or not.

These new COVID-19 regulations have not put a damper on the captains’ enthusiasm for the upcoming semester.

“Club Volleyball will mostly be operating as usual, except we’re going to be making a few changes,” said Captain Regan Bragg `21, “but we don’t think it will really effect the overall excitement and enthusiasm of the club or its members.”

“People will still have the opportunity to play with others, and it won’t [have to] be the same people for the whole school year which we’re really excited about,” Bragg said, referencing the rotating pod structure that will be implemented.

The new athletic center remains a source of excitement for the club.

“We’re also excited about the new gymnasium,” Bragg explained, “because we can use three nets, and with pods of ten people at each net we can have 30 people on the court at all times as long as we sanitize the equipment that each pod uses.”

The club is ready to welcome new members to the Club Volleyball family as well.

“At the club fair we had about 65 new signups, which is way more than we expected but we’re really excited,” Bragg said.

Bragg was also able to explain the appeal that Club Volleyball held for many Colby students.

“Club Volleyball is a club that attracts a lot of people because we accept people of all skill levels, and we’re really excited to integrate these new people with some of our veteran members.

Tomlin reiterated this point when explaining his enthusiasm for the upcoming semester.

“I’m very excited to get back into it and meet some new people and see all the returning players,” Tomlin said. “It’s always been the most exciting part of my semesters here at Colby, and we’re really happy that we’re starting back up again.”

Club Volleyball member Yusuke Fukuda `22 described how Club Volleyball has contributed to his Colby experience.

“Volleyball’s been a big part of my life since Colby; it’s really helped me foster a lot of friendships and I’ve learned a lot about teamwork,” Fukuda said.

“Most of my friends right now play volleyball, and it’s just a great way to be active and always a great time,” Fukuda added.

When asked about the new COVID-19 guidelines, Fukuda remained undaunted.

“I’m super excited and can’t wait for it to start back up again no matter,” Fukuda said. “I’ll follow all the guidelines, and I’m just excited to play some volleyball.”

Mason Groves `23, another member of Club Volleyball, also expressed enthusiasm for returning to the court.

“There’s a lot of good people who go there, and it’s a good way to take your mind off of school,” Groves said. “When I’m cramming for school, I’m also looking forward to Sunday night [practices] to get my mind off things for a little while.”

 Groves was also pleased at the prospect of being playing with the other club members again.

“Getting back, getting active, and seeing everyone again is exciting because it’s been a while since last March since I’ve seen everyone,” Groves said.

Club Volleyball’s first practice will be Sunday, Oct. 4. All the members are excited to see each other and all the newcomers  on court!

~ Conall Butchart `22